Simisola Toluwalase – Gift Shop Retail Management Intern

Hello everyone! My name is Simisola Toluwalase, Simi for short, and I am the Gift Shop Retail Management Intern here at Reiman Gardens this summer. This fall will mark the beginning of my final year at Iowa State. I will be completing my studies in the Apparel Merchandising and Design program, with a primary emphasis in Merchandising.

The past six weeks have blown by in an unbelievable amount of time.  I have had the pleasure of shadowing my boss and really learning the ins and outs of the retail world from the other side. I’ve learned how much time and hard work goes into picking out the perfect products that fit the theme of our garden and what we stand for as an organization.

This past week I had the opportunity to go to Market and really experience what it’s all about. Market is basically a huge mall with lots of shops and a plethora of things to see. There is always something unique to be found.  Walking from showroom to showroom, talking to different vendors, meeting with new and old sales representatives looking and finding the right products. I had no idea how tiring yet fulfilling it would be. I am already so excited for all the new additions that will be coming into the Gift Shop over the next couple months!

• Simisola Toluwalase, Gift Shop Retail Management Intern